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Title:
A COUPLING SYSTEM FOR COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING A RADIATOR WITH A HEATING SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/150127
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A coupling system (99) for coupling and uncoupling a radiator (200) with a heating system (300), comprising: first and second fluid conduits (1), each fluid conduit comprising a valve (8) for closing the respective fluid conduit; and means (3) for coupling and uncoupling the first and second fluid conduits.

Inventors:
BENNETT DEREK (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2019/050279
Publication Date:
August 08, 2019
Filing Date:
January 31, 2019
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
BENNETT DEREK (GB)
International Classes:
F24H3/04; F24D19/00; F24H9/18
Foreign References:
BE1016169A62006-04-04
US6474363B12002-11-05
GB2492647A2013-01-09
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
COZENS, Paul (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. A coupling system (99) for coupling and uncoupling a radiator (200) with a heating system (300), comprising:

first and second fluid conduits (1 ), each fluid conduit comprising a valve (8) for closing the respective fluid conduit; and

means (3) for coupling and uncoupling the first and second fluid conduits.

2. A coupling system (99) according to Claim 1 , wherein the means (3) for coupling and uncoupling comprises an intermediate component, preferably wherein the intermediate component is arranged to couple and uncouple with both of the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) separately thereby to couple and uncouple the first and second fluid conduits.

3. A coupling system (99) according to Claim 2, wherein the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) are arranged to interlock with the intermediate component (3) when the valves (8) are open thereby to prevent decoupling of the fluid conduits when the valves are open.

4. A coupling system (99) according to Claim 3, wherein the intermediate component (3) and each of the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) comprise cooperating engagement formations, wherein the engagement formations engage by rotation of the intermediate component relative to the first and/or second fluid conduit.

5. A coupling system (99) according to Claim 4, wherein the valves (8) are operable via levers (7) external to the fluid conduits (1 ).

6. A coupling system (99) according to Claim 5, wherein the levers (7) interlock with the intermediate component (3) when the valves (8) are open thereby to prevent decoupling of the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) when the valves are open.

7. A coupling system (99) according to Claim 6, wherein, when the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) are coupled and the valves (8) are open, the levers (7) are arranged so as to engage with a formation (4) provided on the intermediate component (3) thereby to inhibit rotation of the intermediate component, preferably wherein the formation comprises recesses (41 ) arranged to receive the levers.

8. A coupling system (99) according to any of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the valves (8) comprise ball valves, wherein each of the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) comprises an aperture (12) on an outer surface for the lever (7) to extend therethrough, the aperture being sealed by the ball valve.

9. A coupling system (99) according to any of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) comprise at least one slot (10), wherein the intermediate component (3) comprises a plurality of studs (45), each arranged to travel in a corresponding slot thereby to couple and uncouple the first and second fluid conduits.

10. A coupling system (99) according to any of Claims 4 to 9, wherein the intermediate component (3) comprises a third fluid conduit (42) arranged such that, when coupled, the first, second, and third fluid conduits form a fluid pathway.

1 1. A coupling system (99) according to Claim 10, wherein the intermediate component (3) further comprises an outer shell (31 ), wherein the engagement features of the intermediate component (3) are concealed beneath the outer shell.

12. A coupling system (99) according to Claim 11 , wherein the outer shell (31 ) is spaced apart from the third fluid conduit (42), wherein the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) each comprise a flange (14) configured to fit between the shell and the third fluid conduit, the flange including the engagement features of the respective first or second fluid conduit.

13. A coupling system (99) according to any preceding claim, further comprising first and second sealing members (9), configured, in use, to interpose respectively between the first fluid conduit (1 ) and intermediate component (3) and second fluid conduit and intermediate component.

14. A heating system comprising:

a hot-water radiator (200);

a first pipe (300) providing a hot water feed into the radiator;

a second pipe (400) providing a hot water return from the radiator; and first and second coupling systems (99) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first coupling system is interposed between the first pipe and the radiator and the second coupling system is interposed between the second pipe and the radiator.

15. A method of removing a hot-water radiator (200), comprising the steps of, in order:

providing the heating system of Claim 14,

closing the valves (8) of the first and second coupling systems (99); and decoupling the first and second fluid conduits (1 ) of the first and second coupling systems.

Description:
A COUPLING SYSTEM FOR COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING A RADIATOR WITH A

HEATING SYSTEM

Field of the disclosure

The present invention relates to a coupling system for coupling and uncoupling a radiator with (i.e. to and from) a heating system, in particular a system for easy and easily reversible connection of pipes; for example but not exclusively a system which enables disconnection of feed or return pipework when disconnecting radiators. The invention extends to a corresponding heating system and method.

Background

Domestic radiators currently require draining before they can be detached from the heating system and removed from the wall. In a typical scenario where heating radiators are in place, decorating a room is best carried out by the removal of the radiator in order to achieve the best effect. Quite often, anyone moving into a new home will want to change the decor; the number of people who are confident in their own skill to remove a radiator by conventional means is questionable. Added to that, the time and effort wasted in draining the system, having the right tools for the job and losing heat throughout the rest of house for the length of time the heating system is down, adds considerably to one’s task. An alternative is to freeze the radiator - however, this is often impractical.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

In an aspect, there is provided a coupling system for coupling and uncoupling a (domestic) radiator with (i.e. to and from) a (domestic) heating system, comprising: first and second fluid conduits, each fluid conduit comprising a valve for closing the respective fluid conduit; and means for coupling and uncoupling the first and second fluid conduits. In use, the system may be arranged to interpose between first and second components of a fluid conveyance system, such that, in a first mode, the valves may be open and the first and second fluid conduits may be coupled in order to form a fluid pathway between the first and second components, and in a second mode, the valves may be closed and the first and second fluid conduits may be uncoupled in order to disconnect and isolate the first and second components from each other. This may provide for increased ease of use, in particular where the coupling system is used to couple and uncouple a radiator, at least for one or more of the following reasons: anyone may remove the radiator without the need for tools; it may not be necessary to switch off the heating system; it may not be necessary to drain the heating system; and it may not be necessary to balance the radiator once it has been replaced, as no air will have entered the system.

In an aspect, there is provided a device comprising: first and second pipe exits, each pipe exit comprising exit closure mechanisms; and an intermediate body, which body is arranged with a pipe securement means (i.e. an engagement feature) to secure the pipe exits to one another.

Preferably, the means for coupling and uncoupling comprises an (removable and/or separable) intermediate component (or locking device), preferably wherein the intermediate component is arranged to couple and uncouple with both of the first and second fluid conduits separately thereby to couple and uncouple the first and second fluid conduits. Providing a separate intermediate component may render the system easier to use, and also may provide improved strength and stability.

The first and second fluid conduits may be arranged to interlock with a part of the coupling system when the valves are open thereby to prevent decoupling of the fluid conduits when the valves are open Preferably, the first and second fluid conduits are arranged to interlock with the intermediate component when the valves are open thereby to prevent decoupling of the fluid conduits when the valves are open. This may improve ease of use by reducing the possibility of accidental uncoupling of the system when the valves are open.

Preferably, the intermediate component and each of the first and second fluid conduits comprise cooperating engagement formations, wherein the engagement formations engage by rotation of the intermediate component relative to the first and/or second fluid conduit, optionally thereby to couple and uncouple the first and second fluid conduits. The engagement formations of the first and/or second fluid conduits form a pair of bayonet fittings with the corresponding engagement formations of the intermediate component, which may thereby provide reversible securement.

Preferably, the valves are operable via levers external to the fluid conduits. This may improve ease of use by allowing a user to operate the valves without the need for any special tools. Preferably, the levers interlock with the intermediate component when the valves are open thereby to prevent decoupling of the first and second fluid conduits when the valves are open. Preferably, when the first and second fluid conduits are coupled and the valves are open, the levers are arranged so as to engage with a formation provided on the intermediate component thereby to inhibit rotation of the intermediate component, preferably wherein the formation comprises recesses arranged to receive (the ends of) the levers.

Preferably, the valves comprise ball valves. The use of ball valves may reduce the effect of the presence of the valves on fluid flow, improve ease of manufacture of the valves and improve the valves’ resistance to mechanical wear. Preferably, each of the first and second fluid conduits comprises an aperture on an outer surface (of each of the first and second fluid conduits) for the lever to extend therethrough, whereby the aperture is sealed by the ball valve. This may provide a simple and easy to use mechanism for direct operation of the valves. Preferably, each of the first and second fluid conduits comprises a bipartite housing configured to hold the ball valve in place. Preferably, the first and second fluid conduits comprise at least one slot, wherein the intermediate component comprises a plurality of studs, each arranged to travel in a corresponding slot thereby to couple and uncouple the first and second fluid conduits. Preferably, each of the first and second fluid conduits comprise two slots arranged on opposing sides of the respective first or second fluid conduit. The slots and studs may form a plurality of bayonet fixtures (or fittings).

Preferably, the intermediate component comprises a third fluid conduit arranged such that, when coupled, the first, second, and third fluid conduits form a fluid pathway. This arrangement may improve the ease of use of the system, as the intermediate component can simply be removed to break the coupling between the first and second fluid conduits.

Preferably, the intermediate component further comprises an outer shell, wherein the engagement features of the intermediate component are concealed beneath the outer shell. The outer shell may be spaced apart from the third fluid conduit. The first and second fluid conduits may each comprise a flange configured to fit between the shell and the third fluid conduit. The flange may include the engagement features of the respective first or second fluid conduit. This arrangement may reduce the possibility that exposed engagement features are damaged, and may isolate the engagement features from the fluid pathway.

Preferably, the intermediate component comprises a patterned outer surface to improve a user’s ability to grip the intermediate component, which may thereby reduce or eliminate the need for the use of any special tools.

Preferably, the coupling system further comprises first and second sealing members, configured, in use, to interpose respectively between the first fluid conduit and intermediate component and second fluid conduit and intermediate component.

Preferably, the first and second fluid conduits each comprise a screw thread for connecting to further fluid conduits, optionally wherein the further fluid conduits are components (or parts of components) in a fluid conveyance system, such as a (domestic) radiator and a (domestic) heating system. The connection may be secured by a compression nut.

In an aspect, there is provided a heating system comprising: a (domestic) hot-water radiator; a first pipe providing a hot water feed into the radiator; a second pipe providing a hot water return from the radiator; and first and second coupling systems as described herein, wherein the first coupling system is interposed between the first pipe and the radiator and the second coupling system is interposed between the second pipe and the radiator. In an aspect, there is provided a method of removing a (domestic) hot-water radiator, comprising the steps of, in order: providing the heating system as described herein, closing the valves of the first and second couplings; and decoupling the first and second fluid conduits of the first and second couplings.

Preferably, the coupling system is configured to operate with common UK piping sizes for domestic and commercial space heating systems (e.g. central heating systems). Examples of such piping sizes (where all dimensions refer to outside diameter) include 22, 28 and 35 mm piping (in particular for long runs), 12 and 15 mm piping (generally for connections to individual appliances), and 8 and 10 mm piping (for“microbore” central heating systems). In general terms, the coupling system may operate with piping of sizes between approximately 10 mm and 40 mm (outer diameter). It will be appreciated that the fluid conduits need not be sized to match the surrounding piping, although they may be at least approximately the same size as the piping to reduce the impact of the coupling system on the fluid flow, whereas the screw connections of the coupling system may be sized to match the surrounding piping.

The coupling system may also operate with older piping systems, based on e.g. 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch piping (where these measurements refer to interior diameter). The coupling system may also be adapted to common pipe sizes used in other countries, such as that of the US.

Preferably, the coupling system is configured to operate with common UK domestic and/or commercial water pressures for central heating systems, which may be under 5 bar, under 3 bar, under 2 bar, or between 1 and 2 bar in normal operation. It will be appreciated that the coupling system has a relatively simple mechanical construction which makes it well suited for use with water pressures such as those used in domestic central heating systems (whether in the UK or other jurisdictions). In general, the invention may provide a three-part coupling arrangement which may allow anyone, without tools or plumbing skills, to disconnect and remove a domestic radiator from the heating system, without the need to switch off the heating or drain the system. Two such coupling systems could be connected to a radiator, one at the feed side and one at the return side of a radiator. In the normal position, the coupling systems may be set in the“open state” allowing normal flow of heating water. By closing the valves on the coupling systems at the end of each radiator, the water may be isolated both from the heating system, even when running, and from the radiator. Once the water flow is isolated, the centre section of the coupling system (the intermediate component) may be exposed and may then be rotated and removed from the coupling. The radiator may then be removed from its fixing.

The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein.

Any feature in one aspect of the disclosure may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly. Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory. It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the disclosure can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

The disclosure extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, the terms“water” and“fluid” should be understood to be synonymous. As used herein, the terms“coupling system,” “coupling arrangement,” “coupling” and “device” should be understood to be synonymous.

As used herein, the terms “engagement formation,” “engagement feature” and “pipe securement means” should be understood to be synonymous.

As used herein, the terms“pipe,”“piping,” and“fluid conduit” should be understood to be synonymous. Brief Description of Figures

The disclosure will now be described by way of example, with references to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a detail isometric view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention in use;

Figures 2a and 2b shows isometric views of the system;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the system;

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the system;

Figure 5a shows an isometric sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the system; Figure 5b shows a diagrammatic isometric view of the system of Figure 5a in use;

Figures 6a and 6b show a plan view of the system of Figure 2 in a first position, and an isometric diagrammatic view of the system in a second position;

Figure 7a shows a first fluid conduit of a further alternative embodiment of the coupling system, Figure 7b shows an isometric view of the coupling system of Figure 7aand Figure 7c shows a plan view of the coupling system of Figure 7a;

Figures 8a and 8b show a sectional isometric view and a diagrammatic plan view of the coupling system of Figure 7a, respectively;

Figure 9 shows a front view of a radiator and two coupling systems according to the present invention; and

Figure 10 shows a further exploded cross-sectional view of a yet further alternative embodiment of the coupling system according to the present invention. Detailed Description

With reference to Figure 1 , a coupling system 99 for coupling and uncoupling a domestic radiator 200 and a heating system is shown in use. The coupling system is located between a hot water feed and return of the radiator 200 and a radiator valve 100 (a well- known component which serves to connect the radiator to the heating system and to control the temperature of the radiator). The coupling system 99 provides a fluid pathway between the radiator 200 and the heating system; such that the radiator may operate conventionally (i.e. the coupling system 99 may be set up so as to have no effect, or a negligible effect, on the operation of the radiator).

Figures 2a and 2b show the coupling system 99 in more detail. The coupling system 99 comprises first and second fluid conduits 1 , which are substantially identical. The first and second fluid conduits 1 are arranged to be capable of coupling to form the fluid pathway, and uncoupling to decouple the fluid pathway. Each of the first and second fluid conduits 1 comprise closure mechanisms 2 provided by an internal valve 8 (not shown), which is capable of closing the respective fluid conduit 1. This allows components attached to each of the fluid conduits 1 to be coupled (via the fluid conduits 1 , when the valves 8 are open) such that fluid can flow between them, or to be isolated and decoupled (when the valves 8 are closed and the fluid conduits 1 uncoupled) such that no fluid can flow between the components and such that no fluid can flow from the respective component out of the respective fluid conduit 1. The first and second fluid conduits 1 comprises screw threads 6 at an end of each of the conduits to allow connection to such components (such as a pipe or a radiator inlet/outlet), optionally via a compression nut 13 (such compression nuts are shown in Figure 1 ). The screw thread 6 is arranged on a flange which extends beyond the fluid conduit, and which is generally of a larger diameter (although it will be appreciated that this size may be varied based on the size of the piping used in the wider system surrounding the coupling system 99).

The coupling system further comprises means 3 for coupling and uncoupling the first and second fluid conduits 1 , in the form of an intermediate component 3. The intermediate component 3 is a generally cylindrical component which is separable from the first and second fluid conduits 1. The intermediate component 3 is arranged to fit over an end of each of the fluid conduits 1 (opposite to the end having screw threads 6) in order to couple the fluid conduits 1. As will be described later on, the intermediate component 3 and first and second fluid conduits 1 comprise engagement formations 43 to enable a connection to be formed between them. The intermediate component 3 comprises a generally cylindrical outer shell 31 (along with interior components, described later on) which is arranged to be handled by a user when coupling or uncoupling the first and second fluid conduits 1. The outer shell 31 includes an arrangement of recesses 5 extending at least part of the way across its length to assist a user in gripping the outer shell 31.

The closure mechanisms 2 of the first and second fluid conduits 1 each further comprise a cylindrical extension 21 extending upwardly (generally at a tangent) from the cylindrical outer surface of each of the fluid conduits 1. The extension 21 is provided generally towards the middle of the length of each of the fluid conduits 1. The extension 21 comprises a central aperture 12 extending into the fluid conduit. The presence of the extension 21 means that each of the first and second fluid conduits 1 resembles a“tee” three-way pipe fitting, although the aperture 12 on the extension 21 is generally smaller than the main apertures of the fluid conduit 1. In use, the extension 21 is arranged to be located generally towards the top of the coupling system 99.

The first and second fluid conduits 1 each further comprise a lever 7, which extends from the valve 8 and out of the aperture 12. The valves 8 are ball valves which are rotated to either open or close the fluid conduit 1 - hence, actuation of the levers 7 (i.e. rotation by 90 degrees) either opens or closes the valves 8. The levers 7 are generally“L” shaped, such that a first protruding part of a lever 7 extends through the aperture 12 to engage with the ball valve 8, while a second protruding part (which is external to the fluid conduit) is arranged perpendicular to the to the first protruding part thereby to enable a user to more easily rotate the lever 7. In the open position, the part of the lever 7 external to the fluid conduit 1 extends parallel to the first and/or second fluid conduit 1 (pointing away from the screw threads 6). The intermediate component 3 further comprises a formation 4 on its outer shell 31 , which extends part of the way across the intermediate component 3. The formation 4 is a generally bar-shaped protrusion which includes asymmetric recesses 41 at each of its ends. When the intermediate component 3 is secured to each of the first and second fluid conduits 1 in use, the formation 4 is located generally towards the top of the coupling system 99. The recesses 41 are shaped such that they can receive the (rounded)ends of the levers 7 of each of the fluid conduits 1. The levers 7 are arranged such that when the valves 8 are in the open position, the levers 7 extend in the direction of the intermediate component 3 such that their ends are received in the recesses 41 , as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. As such, when the intermediate component 3 is correctly fitted and the valves 8 are open, a continuous“line” across the top of the coupling system 99 is formed, which may provide an easily visible indication to a user that the coupling system 99 is fitted correctly and that the valves 8 are open (i.e. an indication that fluid is flowing without interruption).

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the system. The ball valves 8 are held in position inside each of the fluid conduits 1 by bipartite housings 1 1 , which fit inside the fluid conduits 1. The ball valves 8 include an aperture 82 extending all the way through the valve 8, such that, in use in the open position, the effect of the ball valve 8 on fluid flow is limited. When the valve 8 is rotated 90 degrees into a closed position, a solid part of the ball valve 8 is presented to the flow in order to cut off the fluid flow. The levers 7 engage with the ball valves 8 via a slot 81 provided in an upper part of the ball valve 8, which in use is aligned with the aperture 12 in the fluid conduit 1.

The intermediate component 3 further comprises an interior (third) fluid conduit 42, the interior diameter of which is generally the same size as the interior diameter of the first and second fluid conduits 42. In use, the first, second, and third fluid conduits 42 form a single (complete) fluid conduit when assembled. The outer shell 31 of the intermediate component 3 is spaced apart from the third fluid conduit 42, such that the intermediate component 3 generally consists of two concentric cylinders. The outer shell 31 generally extends beyond the length of the third fluid conduit 42. Each of the first and second fluid conduits 1 comprise a flange 14 on the end of the fluid conduit opposite to the end having screw threads 6 (i.e. the flange 14 is on the end of the fluid conduit 1 which is engaged by the intermediate component 3). The flange 14 has a larger diameter than the diameter of the body of the first or second fluid conduit 1 and extends away from the body of the first or second fluid conduit 1 in the direction of the length of the first or second fluid conduit 1. The flange 14 is sized so as to be capable of fitting between the third fluid conduit 42 and the outer shell 31. The flange 14 may be generally of the same diameter as the flange holding the screw threads 6, which is on the other end of the first and/or second fluid conduit 1.

The flange 14 includes one or more slots 10, which extend through the thickness of the flange 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, one slot 10 is provided in the flange 14, although it will be appreciated that further slots could be provided. The slot 10 comprises a first part which extends from the edge of the flange 14 (the distal edge relative to the fluid conduit 1 ) in the direction of the length of the fluid conduit 1 , and a second part which extends in a generally diagonal direction (i.e. forming a spiral shape on the flange 14). At the end of the second part, there is provided a“catch,” being a generally circular aperture. As will be clear to the skilled person, the slot 10 thereby forms part of a bayonet fitting. The slot 10 is arranged to engage with a corresponding stud 45 (not shown), which extends out of the third fluid conduit 42, thereby to engage the intermediate component 3 with the first and/or second fluid conduit 1.

As will be appreciated, this engagement involves the flange 14 being placed between the third fluid conduit 42 and outer shell 31 such that the stud 45 engages with the slot 10, and then the intermediate component 3 being rotated relative to the first and/or second fluid conduit 1 to draw the stud 45 further into the slot 10 (and so to join the third fluid conduit 42 with the first and/or second fluid conduit 1 ). To couple the first and second fluid conduits 1 in practice, the first fluid conduit 1 may be engaged with the intermediate component 3, and then the second fluid conduit 1 may be engaged with the intermediate component 3 (or vice versa). It will be appreciated that a certain amount of play in the pipes connected to the radiator valve may have to be used to couple the first and second fluid conduits 1 via the intermediate component 3 when the coupling system 99 is interposed between a radiator and a heating system, as shown in Figure 1. To uncouple the first and second fluid conduits 1 , the intermediate component 3 is rotated in an opposite direction to separate the third fluid conduit 42 from the first and/or second fluid conduit 1. It will be appreciated that if the first and second fluid conduit 1 were to be uncoupled in this way when the valves 8 are open, fluid could flow out of components connected to the first and/or second fluid conduits and spill. The present invention mitigates this possibility by the engagement of the levers 7 with the recesses 41 of the formation 4 of the intermediate component 3. The formation 4 is arranged such that the levers 7 (in the open position) form a physical barrier to rotation of the intermediate component 3 to uncouple the first and second component, in that the formation 4 abuts against the levers 7. In order for this physical barrier to be removed, the valves must be closed to move the levers 7 out of the way. Even if the user acted to force the rotation of the intermediate component 3, the effect would be that the levers 7 would be moved to (at least partially) close the valves 8. An interlock mechanism is thereby formed which prevents the decoupling of the first and second fluid conduits 1 when the valves 8 are open.

The coupling system 99 further comprises sealing members 9 formed generally as O- rings, which interpose between the first fluid conduit 1 and the intermediate component 3 and the second fluid conduit 1 and the intermediate component 3 in order to provide a watertight seal between the various fluid conduits of the system 99. The sealing members 9 are generally separate components to the first and second fluid conduits 1 and the intermediate component 3, such that they come away from the other components when the system is separated and can be replaced (e.g. due to wear), but it will also be appreciated that the sealing members 9 could be provided as part of the first and second fluid conduits 1 or the intermediate component 3 in an alternative.

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the coupling system 99. In the system of Figure 4, two slots 10 (on opposite sides of the flange 14) are provided, which engage with two corresponding studs 45 of the intermediate component 3.

Figure 5a shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling system 99, in which the first and second fluid conduits 1 are coupled. The first and second fluid conduits 1 each include interior walls 16 which act to retain the bipartite housing 1 1 and the ball valve 8 within the fluid conduit 1. As will be appreciate, the upper part of the ball valve 8 itself (along with the bipartite housing 1 1 ) serves to seal the aperture 12 through which the lever 7 extends to prevent fluid escaping.

The outer shell 31 and the third fluid conduit 42 are joined by a ring 44 of material at the centre of the intermediate component 3. This construction may be used in all embodiments of the coupling system 99. The intermediate component 3 is generally a single plastic component, which may be formed as a single piece by e.g. injection moulding. The first and second fluid conduits 1 are generally formed of a metallic material.

Figure 5b shows a diagrammatic isometric view of the system in use (including a cutaway view of the intermediate component 3), in which the first fluid conduit 1 is in the process of being coupled to the intermediate component 3 (which is already coupled to the second fluid conduit 1 ). A stud 45 is visible on the side of the third fluid conduit 42.

Figure 6a shows the coupling system 99 of Figure 2 in a first mode, wherein the valves 8 are open and the first and second conduits 1 are coupled in order to form a fluid pathway via the third conduit 42. Figure 6b shows a coupling system in the second mode, wherein the valves 8 are closed and the first and second conduits 1 are decoupled and disconnected from each other. Figure 7a shows the first fluid conduit 1 of a further alternative embodiment of the coupling system. In this embodiment, the flange 14 does not extend beyond the first fluid conduit 1 , and instead is part of the way along the fluid conduit 1. Figure 7b and 7c show views of the coupling system 99 of Figure 7a in an assembled state. Figure 8a shows a sectional view of the coupling system 99 of Figure 7a, and Figure 8b shows a top view of the same.

Figure 9 shows a front view of a radiator 200 and two coupling systems 99. The radiator comprises a first pipe 300 providing a hot water feed into the radiator and a second pipe providing a hot water return from the radiator 400 (including the radiator valve 100). One coupling system 99 is interposed between the first pipe 300 and the radiator 200, and another coupling system 99 is interposed between the second pipe 400 and the radiator 200. It will be appreciated that the inclusion of two such coupling system allows the radiator and coupling system to be isolated for the radiator to be removed.

Figure 10 shows a yet further alternative embodiment of the coupling system 99, including a smaller intermediate component 3. More generally, with reference to the figures there is shown a coupling system 99 comprising: two pipe exits, otherwise known as fluid conduits 1 ; which exits 1 are arranged to connect to pipes; exit closure mechanisms 2; and an intermediate body 3 or component 3; which body 3 is arranged with a pipe securement means 43 (i.e. engagement features) to secure the pipe exits 1 to one another.

In the pictured embodiment the pipe exits 1 comprise adjacent exit closure mechanisms 2, for instance provided by ball valves 8. The ball valves comprise annular parts which rotate in bipartite housings 1 1 located internal the screw thread 6 of the pipe exits, which screw thread enables securement of a compression nut 13.

The ball valves 8 are provided with lever controls 7, which are rotated through 90 degrees from a first open position parallel the pipe exits to a second closed position perpendicular the pipe exits’ axis. The body 3 and pipe exits 1 comprise separate parts, wherein the securement means 43 is arranged to secure the body to the pipe exit parts.

In this way the pipe exits are secured to pipes 300, 400 in use, wherein one of said pipes may be connected to a radiator valve 100, and the body secured to pipes.

In the pictured embodiment the body 3 is rotated through 90 degrees in order to operate the pipe securement mechanism 43, from a first unsecured position to a second secured position. The pipe securement mechanism comprises a stud 45, which travels in a channel 10 (also referred to as a slot 10, forming part of an engagement formation), entering at a peripheral inlet, leading in a helical direction to a return catch, whereby the travel of the stud in the channel pulls the pipe exit towards the body.

In doing so this compresses O-rings (sealing members) 9 on each side of the body creating a seal. This bayonet styled mechanism between the body and exits allows the three to be firmly pushed together creating a watertight seal through deformation of the O-rings.

In this way the body (of the intermediate component 3) is turned to secure the system to the pipe exits and in turn the pipes, and it is not possible to unsecure the body unless the pipe exits are closed, preventing danger from unsecuring an open pipe end and releasing fluid accidentally.

The body comprises raised and lowered parts to enable easier grip and turning.

In the secured position the body 3 is arranged with a lock 4 (or formation), which lock 4 acts with the pipe exit levers 7 and prevents movement of the body, more particularly movement of the body from the secured position to the unsecured position, when the pipe exit levers are in the open position, whereby the lock 4 prevents rotation by providing a physical block against the levers 7. In this way advantageously each ball valve has to be closed for the levers to avoid catching on the lever catch on the body, to allow the body to be free to rotate and disengage.

The system may thereby provide a 3-part fitting that in use may sit between a radiator and water inlet outlet pipes. The system may allow a user to easily take a radiator off the wall without having to turn off the water main or drain the radiator, and without using any tools.

The system may thereby enable DIY novices to easily disconnect and remove a radiator without the need to bleed the system. The system may be operated by hand without the need for tools.

The system may be added to both the inlet and outlet of the radiator to seal both the radiator and supply when disconnected. This allows water to remain in the radiator and the central heating to be isolated and enables users to easily remove radiators without a high level of DIY experience, enabling people to easily paint behind radiators for example.

The system of the present invention may provide a three-part fitting that allows the user to easily disconnect and remove a radiator without the need to bleed the system.

Alternatives and extensions

In an alternative, the intermediate component may not include a third fluid conduit, and the first and second fluid conduits may couple directly to each other via the intermediate component such that a flow pathway is formed.

In an alternative, a different engagement mechanism other than the described bayonet fitting may be provided. For example, the first and/or second fluid conduit and the intermediate component may screw together.

In an alternative, a different means for coupling and uncoupling the first and second fluid conduits (instead of the intermediate component) may be provided. For example, the first and second fluid conduits may couple by means of a screw thread or a clip, which may be attached to one of both of the first and second fluid conduits.

In an alternative, different valves and levers may be used. For example, a gate valve may be used. The levers may use a different mechanism other than rotation to close the valve, optionally where the levers interlock with the intermediate component as described. In an alternative, the levers may interlock with each other, or the opposing first or second fluid conduit, to prevent the first and second fluid conduits being uncoupled while the valves are open. Although the invention has principally been described in the context of coupling and uncoupling a radiator to a heating system, it will be appreciated that a variety of other uses are possible. In particular, the invention may be used in coupling and uncoupling any two components in a pipeline or fluid conveyance system.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to includes variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

It will be understood that the present disclosure has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.